Ronald A. Bourbeau

In Loving Memory of Ronald A. Bourbeau 02/07/1937 - 11/21/2025
Ronald A. Bourbeau, known for his dedication to public service and adventurous spirit, passed away on Nov. 21, 2025, at the age of 88 after a long battle with leukemia and renal failure.
Born on February 7, 1937, in Manchester, N.H., to Ronaldo and Gilberte Gagne Bourbeau, Ron was the eldest of five children. After graduating from Newfound Memorial High School in Bristol, N.H., he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed at Altus Air Force Base (Okla.), Homestead Air Force Base (Fla.) and Tinker Air Force Base (Okla.).
Ron began pursuing a degree in political science at the University of Oklahoma while working as a police officer and later as Civil Defense Director and Assistant City Manager for the City of Norman. In 1968, he accepted a position as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Miami Beach, where he served for four years before accepting a position as City Manager for the City of Waurika (Okla.). He later served in that same capacity for the City of Lindsay (Okla.), City of Altus (Okla.) and City of Shawnee (Okla.).
In 1988, Ron transitioned to the private sector as a regional manager for Browning-Ferris Industries and later, Western Waste. He returned to public service as City Administrator for Shenandoah, Texas, where he played a key role in introducing the 4B sales tax, reducing property taxes, and recruiting Home Depot to the city.
Ron's leadership continued as Chief Executive Officer of the South Montgomery County Woodlands Economic Development Partnership, a position he held for 11 years. He was instrumental in attracting new employers to the area and supporting economic growth through demographic analysis, relocation assistance, and incentive programs.
Civically engaged, Ron contributed to numerous organizations, including the Corridor Coalition, Rotary Club, and the Greater Houston Partnership Marketing Committee. He also served as President of the City Managers Association of Oklahoma and was a member of several boards and committees dedicated to economic development and workforce advancement.
Ron married Sheila Edith Nelms in December 1989. Together, they created an enduring impact through strong professional and personal relationships and shared a life full of travel, two-stepping, and memorable encounters with county music legends and other notable figures. She preceded him in death in August 2025.
Ron was also predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Andy and Norman Bourbeau. He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Bourbeau of Norman, Okla., and Karen Miller (John) of Kansas City, Mo.; his beloved stepdaughter, MeLinda Collier of New Braunfels, Texas; three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Robert Bourbeau of Statesville, N.C.; a sister, Marie Boyce (Larry) of Alexandria, N.H.; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A Celebration of Life is planned for the January 16, 2026, at 10:00 am, at Forest Park – The Woodlands Funeral Home and Cemetery, located at 18000 I-45, Woodlands, TX 77384.